Seniors save money on adopting senior pets

Older dogs, like 8-year-old Spike, are the focus of special rates at many local shelters during May. DOGMA PET PORTRAITS

The benefits of pets for people, especially seniors living alone, are well-documented. This month, several Orange County shelters are offering reduced adoption fees for senior citizens.

The reduced fees are in conjunction with the Orange County Office on Aging and Older Americans Month, an effort to show appreciation for "the contributions and achievements of older Americans."

"Senior pets are more difficult to get adopted since most people are looking for puppies or kittens," said Ron Edwards, director of the Irvine Animal Care Center. "Twenty-five percent of our pets are seniors, and we think this program will help us get these pets adopted."

The discounts and the ages of qualifying adopters vary according to shelters. Here's a rundown. Unless otherwise noted, fee reductions apply throughout May:

OC Animal Care: Adoption fees are discounted for people 55 and older who adopt animals 3 years or older.

Address: 561 The City Drive S., Orange.

Call: 714-935-6848

Irvine Animal Care Center: Adoptions are free for people 62 and older who adopt a senior pet. (License fee must be paid if the adopter lives in Irvine.) The age of the pet varies by species and breed; check with the shelter. Nonsenior adopters can adopt seniors for $65 instead of the usual $120 fee. Address: 6443 Oak Canyon Road, Irvine

Call: 949-724-7740

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center: Adoptions are discounted by $100 for people 62 and older who adopt any dog or cat 5 years or older. That makes the average fee to adopt a cat is $50; a dog, $80.

Address: 28095 Hillcrest, Mission Viejo

Call: 949-470-3045

San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter: Adoption fees are half the usual price for anyone 62 or older who adopts a dog or cat over 5 years. Dogs will be $62.50 and cats $50. The Pet Project Foundation, the volunteer group that supports the shelter, sponsors the Angel Program for dogs 8 and older and cats 10 and older. The adoption fee is free, and adopters receive reimbursement for up to $400 in veterinary care over the animal's life.

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